Steven Crandall
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The man who put a hit on 20-year-old Christian Schauer appears to have a plea deal with the state for one count of conspiracy to commit homicide.
Steven Crandall appeared in court on Monday for a status conference, where both sides announced that they had reached a deal to avoid a jury trial scheduled for next month. The 28-year-old is accused of offering a $5,000 reward for Schauer’s death, saying he had stolen drugs from a dealer.
Schauer’s body was found in the McMillan Marsh in December 2020. Three others were charged in connection with his death, including Jared Carl, who is serving a life sentence for homicide but is eligible to apply for parole in 2057.
Carl’s father, Shawn, pleaded no contest to falsifying information to harbor or aid a felon and resisting or obstructing an officer. He was given a withheld sentence and served time in the Marathon County Jail. Audrey Benson is serving prison time for hiding a corpse.
RELATED: Crandall Trial Rescheduled for Spring 2026
Crandall returns to court on March 3rd for a plea and sentencing hearing. The case had been scheduled for a week-long trial beginning March 9th. The case had been scheduled for trial in January 2025, but that was wiped from the calendar at the defense’s request.
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